Hurricane Erin has officially formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday, Aug. 15, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Erin is currently not forecast to hit land, but strong winds are affecting nearby islands, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides.. The NHC said it will eventually swerve away from the continental United States.

The center of a tropical disturbance that flared up in the Gulf began to move across land on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall to parts of northeastern Mexico and South Texas.

While the threat of any direct impact to the East Coast and Bahamas is easing, NHC said swells generated by Erin would likely lead to life-threatening surf and rip currents along the East Coast beaches next week.

A tropical disturbance that will move into the Gulf this week is being monitored for the potential for development by the National Hurricane Center.

As the Invest 96-L disturbance decreases in its chances of tropical development, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is now monitoring a new tropical wave emerging off the western coast of Africa for the possibility of development.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three different disturbances in the Atlantic region. On Monday, Invest 97-L was upgraded into Tropical Storm Erin. A few hours later, an area in the Gulf was also tagged.

Tropical Storm Erin, a brewing powerhouse in the Atlantic, is gaining strength and is forecast to become the season’s first hurricane by the weekend. It has the potential to be a major hurricane, prompting millions along the US East Coast and Caribbean to keep a close watch.